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Top 4 questions to ask before booking a family holiday

By Ruth Devine | November 16, 2012

You need a family break but where to go, what to do, how to book and how much to spend? Phew! By the time you’ve got it all sorted, you can feel like you need another holiday just to get over arranging the first! Which is where Kidspot comes in. Ask yourself these four questions before you book your break to help take the headache out of planning your next family getaway.

1. What sort of holiday suits your family?

Have you got littlies that like nothing better than a pool to splash about in – and where that pool is really doesn’t matter? Are there tweens or teens to cater for, for whom kids’ clubs or spending time with mum and dad is totes uncool?
Perhaps you’re going away with the grandparents who’ll need some time to themselves while you’re holidaying en famille.
Are you an up and at ‘em sort of tribe for whom a holiday is doing, seeing, exploring rather than a family that parks themselves on a sun lounger to r-e-l-a-x?
Only you know the answers to these questions, which makes you the best judge of the holiday that will keep the whole family happy. Sort this question out and you’re one step closer to a fabulous family getaway.

2. What’s your holiday budget?

There’s no point booking a break that costs so much you’re broke and constantly watching your wallet while you’re away. It’s pretty miserable to be somewhere and not be able to book an excursion or have the odd nice meal out. Far better to work out what you can realistically spend that will give you the family holiday you need without leaving you in debt.

Holiday headache buster:

Get yourself a pen and paper and take the time to sit down and really work out what’s already in the holiday piggy bank (if anything), what you can spare to spend on your break, how much you’re likely to save before you go and how much cash you’ll need while you’re away. Factor in expenses like petrol if you’re driving, taxis or car parking at the airport if you’re flying, eating out, trips to explore while you’re there and then add 10 per cent as a contingency budget. Being organised now about your holiday finances will save you heartache later.

3. What sort of holiday accommodation are you after?

Are you happy campers or does the thought of sleeping under canvas give you hives? Would a self-catering apartment suit your brood better? Are you travelling with other families or relatives that might prefer a little privacy? Or are you looking for a one-stop shop resort that gives you all the kids’ clubs, fun and activities that will keep everyone amused without you having to cook, clean and wash-up? Think about what would suit your family, what would keep them amused and what would give you the break you need.

Holiday headache buster:

There are some really useful online travel sites that help you narrow the field down when it comes to the accommodation that will suit your needs. Whatspot.com.au allows you to search through hundreds of caravan and holiday parks around Australia. If you know that a resort is what you’re after, then you can’t go far wrong with sites including BIG4 that will search through countrywide holiday parks or specific websites for holiday hotspots such as Paradise Resort Gold Coast or the picturesque Amalfi Resort in Busselton, WA.

4. How far do you want to travel for your holiday?

Maybe you’re looking for a trip up the coast, a couple of hours in the car at most. Or perhaps you’re looking to travel further afield and are happy to make part of the holiday a road trip or hop on a plane to discover more of Australia’s vast land. Or maybe this is the overseas holiday of a lifetime you’ve been dreaming about but just don’t know where to start looking and booking? Factor in the age of your children, just how long you can all play 'eye spy' in the car without screaming, whether anyone suffers from travel sickness or a fear of flying and you’ll find clarity begins to part the fog that comes with planning a family holiday.

Holiday headache buster:

If you’re an overseas travel novice when it comes to planning family getaways, you’re best off seeking some advice from people who know what they’re doing. Ask friends and family where they’ve been and what they’d recommend and get expert advice from a specialist travel agent such as Plus Kids Travel or Magical Mouse Holidays (if you want to do the Disney extravaganza). They'll know exactly how to get the holiday that's right for your family.